Lions skipper Alun Wyn Jones had to fight back the tears in an emotional post-match interview following South Africa’s series victory in Cape Town.
The tourists let the series slip thanks to a last-minute penalty from Morne Steyn.
The fact Jones was even part of the Test series was almost unbelievable, given how quickly he had to return from a dislocated shoulder to simply be a part of it.
It was his fourth tour and looks as though it may now be his last. The Welshman will be 39 by the time the the four nations tour as one in Australia.
Fielding questions about his history in a Lions shirt in the immediate aftermath, he was visibly emotional.
Sky Sports reporter Sarra Elgan asked: “A few questions on you Alun, I know you don’t like talking about yourself but you made it our here, the odds were against you.
“Despite the loss, how will you look back on this tour in comparison to the other three?”
The talismanic skipper tried to answer but could not as he fought to hold back the tears.
Showing a feel for the situation, Elgan continued: “This is your fourth Lions tour, I’m reluctant to say it’s going to be your last given who I’m talking to.
“You’re going to sign off as a Lions great – If this is the last time that you put on that jersey, what will be your memories over the last 12 years – what does wearing that jersey mean to you?
Again, showing emotion, Jones responded: “It’s funny. For this one in particular I had to work harder second time to get out here.
“I know a lot of these guys will be on the next one so I look forward to watching them.”
If this is to be his last Lions tour, Jones will go down as one of the greatest to ever don the famous red jersey.
He then went on to play in all three Tests. In doing so, he became the first Lion in history to feature in every Test match on four consecutive tours.
He also equalled Graham Price’s record as the most-capped Welsh Lions.
Speaking on the defeat, he added: “The endeavour and the turnaround was there, from last week.
“We were in it until the death. I’m just very proud of the bunch and very conscious of what we represent and what everything means.
“We’re also hugely disappointed at the same time.
“We wanted to come out in the second half and produce more of the same.
“The toing and froing of the penalties probably broke up the game. It was probably similar to what we’ve seen in patches in previous games.
“Trading those threes isn’t really what we wanted. We wanted to kick on and we weren’t able to do that.”
For the latest rugby updates sent straight to your inbox, you can sign up to our ROAR or Welsh rugby newsletters.
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
